The Dharma of James Baldwin is a exploration of what it truly means to be human. The word dharma loosely translates as a Buddhist teaching or an aspect of truth or reality. We are taught to define ourselves within the context of identity, such as, for instance, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. Baldwin believed this approach was flawed. As far as he was concerned, nothing was more important than the human being. In other words, a human identity.
In this workshop, we will explore the concept of human identity through the dharma of Baldwin’s perspectives. This four-hour experience is split between two days:
Day 1
What Am?
“I”
Day 2
We + Connection
Love
We will take inspiration from Baldwin’s own words.
Baldwin’s Dharma:
The importance of being human.
Why identity is flawed.
The practice of inquiry.
Discovering the inner self.
Why we need human interconnectedness.
Love is the antidote.
Methodologies:
*Buddhist philosophy and meditation.
Interactive exercises.
Dialogue and more dialogue.
You will be invited to:
Embrace the irrational
Challenge belief systems
Embrace curiosity and possibility
Rethink history and culture
Disarm fear
Contemplate Human identity
My facilitation process supports:
Respect and generous listening
Kindness and compassion
Free and truthful expression
Working with discomfort
Vulnerability and empathy
Self-discovery
Transformation
*Buddhist concepts are used, however, religion and dogma are not part of my facilitation process.
You will experience a James Baldwin most people are not aware of: A spiritual being who sounded more like a mystic, a Buddhist monk, or an Indian sadhu. A prophet who preached the gospel of Human identity and common humanity.
Provocative objects/art might be used to deconstruct historical and cultural mythologies. These objects could include historical stereotypes. Let’s just say that the elephant will be in the room. And it might feel icky. We’ll simply take deep breaths, notice what arises, and continue our dialogue.
However, if you are triggered by challenging subject matter, this experience may not be for you.
Everyone wishes to be loved, but in the event, nearly no one can bear it. Everyone desires love but also finds it impossible to believe that he deserves it.
Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone, 1968
Walk down the street of any city, any afternoon, and look around you. What you've got to remember is what you're looking at is also you. Everyone you're looking at is also you!
Going to Meet the Man
Film documentary
1970
All men are brothers. That’s the bottom line.
Dutch television interview
1981